systematic failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "systematic failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or recurring failure in a system or process, often implying that the failure is not random but rather a result of underlying issues. Example: "The project faced systematic failure due to poor management and lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In government-speak, 'an unavoidable inadvertent systematic failure' had occurred.

The Guardian

"Clearly, there was a systematic failure of oversight".

The New York Times

There's been public outrage over the systematic failure of protection and rightly so.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an interview with Sky News he apologised for what he called a systematic failure.

The Guardian

Others say the data show the systematic failure of school systems to meet the needs of poor and disadvantaged students.

The New York Times

Others say the data show the systematic failure of school systems to meet the needs of the disadvantaged.

The New York Times

Saturday January 26 The Financial Services Authority is criticised for "systematic failure of duty" by the Treasury select committee.

The Guardian - Business

"Although various individuals were at fault, a systematic failure allowed it to happen," a report, published in February, said.

The New York Times

If threatened with systematic failure, which is becoming increasingly common, governments have no option but to bail them out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Systematic failure But it is the Equality and Human Rights Commission that can issue compliance notices and instigate investigations.

The Guardian

But the answer is certainly more complex than the stereotypes of systematic failure that pervade most accounts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex issues, use "systematic failure" to highlight that problems are not isolated incidents, but stem from deeper, systemic issues. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions rather than quick fixes.

Common error

Avoid using "systematic failure" as a means to solely blame individuals. It points to widespread issues in the system, not just the fault of specific people. Be sure to investigate the policies and procedures involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "systematic failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It names a situation or condition characterized by consistent and widespread failures within a system. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usage in various contexts, often to highlight organizational or procedural shortcomings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "systematic failure" is a noun phrase used to describe consistent and widespread failures within a system, organization, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, including news, science, and business. It implies that the failure isn't accidental, but rather a consequence of underlying issues requiring comprehensive solutions. While attributing blame solely to individuals should be avoided, recognizing a "systematic failure" prompts investigation into policies, procedures, and systemic changes to address the root causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

systemic breakdown

Emphasizes the complete collapse of a system.

structural deficiency

Highlights flaws in the foundational structure of something.

widespread malfunction

Indicates a failure occurring across a large area or within many components.

comprehensive collapse

Stresses the thorough and complete nature of the failure.

complete dereliction

Suggests a total abandonment of duty or responsibility.

institutional inadequacy

Focuses on the inability of an institution to meet its responsibilities.

organizational flaw

Points to a defect or imperfection within an organization's structure or operation.

fundamental breakdown

Highlights a failure at the most basic or essential level.

operational collapse

Emphasizes the failure of an organization or system to function correctly.

inherent weakness

Suggests that the failure is due to a built-in or intrinsic vulnerability.

FAQs

How can I use "systematic failure" in a sentence?

You can use "systematic failure" to describe a widespread or recurring problem within a system or organization. For example, "The investigation revealed a "systematic failure" in the safety protocols."

What's a good alternative to "systematic failure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "systemic breakdown", "structural deficiency", or "widespread malfunction".

Is "systematic failure" the same as "isolated incident"?

No, "systematic failure" implies a recurring or widespread issue, while "isolated incident" refers to a one-time event. The former suggests a problem with the system itself, whereas the latter suggests an anomaly.

When is it appropriate to use the term "systematic failure"?

Use "systematic failure" when you want to emphasize that a problem isn't just a random occurrence, but rather the result of flaws or inadequacies within a system, policy, or organization. Consider using it after careful investigation to highlight patterns.